English Libretto or Translation:

LEONORAA convent? No.

If you drive this penitent awayI shall wander through the rocks crying for help,begging refuge from the mountains, food from the woods,until the beasts take pity and end my woe.Ah yes, here have I heard the voice of heaven:„Take refuge in the shadow of this Cross.“And you drive me away'?She runs to embrace the Cross.This is my haven;Who shall take this solace from me?

THE SUPERIOR(Glory to Thee, O merciful God,Omnipotent Father of the wretched,the spheres are whose footstool!Thy will be done!)

LEONORAHere I have heard the voice of heaven:“Take refuge in the shadow of this Cross” …This my haven;Who shall take this solace from me?

THE SUPERIORYour decision is firm?

LEONORAIt is.

THE SUPERIORMay God receive you then!

LEONORADivine compassion!

THE SUPERIOROnly I shall know who you are.Among the rocks is a cave: there you will stay.Near a spring, each seventh day,I myself will set down a frugal meal.

LEONORALet us go there.

THE SUPERIORcalling towards the doorMelitone!to Melitone, as he appearsLet all the brothers, with lighted candles,assemble at the high altarin the temple of the Lord.Melitone goes in again.At dawn, you will make your wayalone to the hermitage;but first you shall haveheavenly comfort from the holy bread.Go, put on your holy robe,and may your heart be firm.The Lord will help youSet forth on your new path.

He enters the monastery and returns, carrying a Franciscan habit which he gives to Leonora.